PNEWFC Secure First Home Win

Preston North End’s Women's team secured their first home win of the season as they beat Leeds United LFC 5-2 on Sunday afternoon.

A brace from Gemma Watson, and further goals by Becky Grocott, Melissa Ball and Sophie Jones ensured the victory for PNEWFC after Leeds had twice pulled level, either side of half time.

The visitors started the brighter of the two sides, enjoying the majority of possession, but failed to convert their ball retention into any chances of real note.

Leeds were made to pay for their inability to capitalise on their early dominance when Preston took the lead through Watson, after she struck with an impressive effort.

However, just ten minutes later, the visitors were level – thanks to a fine finish by Huegett – after Leeds had reasserted their hold on the game.

Following half time, however, PNE began to dominate– seemingly taking motivation from their 2-1 win away to Stoke the week before.

A defence-splitting pass from Laura Walker sent Becky Grocott through on goal, and the attacker made no mistake with her finish – slotting past the Leeds ‘keeper with ease to put Preston 2-1 up.

Just five minutes later, against the run of play, Leeds were awarded a penalty – giving Huegett the chance to double her tally and pull the visitors level for a second time.

The forward duly obliged but her equaliser clearly coaxed a response from North End as they produced two goals within four minutes.

Watson and Melissa Ball both found the back of the net to ensure the win for PNE, before debutant Sophie Jones, who only signed for the Club one week earlier, sealed the victory with a cool chip over the Leeds ‘keeper, a minute from time.

Next week sees PNEWFC travel to local rivals Blackburn Rovers LFC in what should be a feisty encounter.